Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the storyCHANDLER, AZ -- At 37 years of age, Xanthe Horst finds herself once again looking forward to summer camp.
Horst has signed up for
LaidOffCamp, coming to the Valley for the very first time this August.
'I like the idea of a camp because it highlights the whimsey," said Horst.
Horst has spent the past year looking for a full-time job, largely on her own.
That's why she likes the idea of getting together with others in her same situation in a camp-like setting.
"I think this will be a great opportunity to meet others, learn their story, learn best practices, figure out what's working and what's not working," said Horst.
Laid-off camps have taken place all across the country, from Miami to Chicago to Las Vegas.
Organizer Rachel Reese decided to bring the laid off camp to the Valley.
"It's not a job fair or a recruiting fest," said Reese. "I didn't want to concentrate on that."
At laid off camps, the unemployed, or non-traditionally employed can get together to share ideas and learn from each other.
Unlike others, this camp doesn't cost a dime.
Nothing, absolutely free," said Reese.
Even though it won't be exactly the same, Horst hopes it'll be as fun as the camps she remembers as a kid.
"You can still have fun while sticking to the job at hand too," said Horst.
Mindful that it's a camp she'll only want to attend once.
The Valley's LaidOffCamp will be held Saturday, August 8th at Ganglplank's Headquarters at 325 E Elliot Road, Suite 34 in Chandler. To register for free,
click here.
